Citizen Science Programs

Watching birds is more popular than ever! Tens of thousands of Canadians share their energy, skill, and bird observations through Bird Studies Canada's bird surveys. These "Citizen Scientists" provide a tremendous service by volunteering their time to track the health of bird populations.

Research and Conservation

Using data from our targeted research initiatives and Citizen Science programs, and in collaboration with conservation partners, our scientists monitor bird population trends, investigate declines, and recommend actions to protect the health of ecosystems we all depend on.

Help Us Conserve Canada’s Birds

You can play an important role in conserving Canada's wild birds! Bird Studies Canada supporters provide charitable donations as well as making
valuable Citizen Science contributions. Our nationwide programs are focused on the highest-priority conservation needs for birds.

Barn Swallows nest on human-made structures in locations close to foraging habitat (open and semi-open land such as grasslands, farmland, wetlands, open water, and highways). They choose structures with an overhang to provide protection,
a ledge (can be as small as a wire or nail) to support the nest, and a rough vertical surface to which a nest can be attached.

There are many simple steps you can take to be a good host to Barn Swallows: leave doors and windows of your structure (such as a barn or shed) open at all times, and provide a source of mud. You can create additional nesting sites for
Barn Swallows by putting up nesting cups or ledges in or on the outside of a structure. As old buildings deteriorate and are demolished, artificial nesting structures for Barn Swallows can be constructed to replace lost breeding habitat.